All right, already/the show goes on/all night til the morning/we dreamed so long/anybody ever wonder/when they would see the sun go/just remember when you come up/the show goes on... ---Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes On"
This entire week, I have been on my own. Thankfully, I have a sub license, so I'm getting paid to do what I've been doing all semester! At first it was weird, running the show on my own. But eventually I came around and it's been nice to have full autonomy. It's a nice preview for when I have my own classroom. There have been moments throughout the semester where I've been flailing, and my CT has let it happen. During those moments, I couldn't help but wonder WHY he was letting me struggle. Afterword, he would always say, "There's not going to be a CT to save you when you're on your own." Looking back, I am eternally grateful for those moments. The show must go on...
You have had such great experiences, Lauren. Think of them as raw material to draw from in your first year teaching! You're right about not letting your worrying overshadow your strengths. If you have a bad day, it's VITAL to find one thing that didn't sink down the toilet and concentrate on how at least 3 students got something out of that one remarkable gem of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteYou're experience with your American Lit and Holocaust classes sound like they have helped you learn about your capabilities, flaws, and limits, so don't sell yourself short by not recognizing the positive lessons they've taught you too as you have them.
I have every confidence that your first year teaching will be another whirlwind adventure with a whole new set of idiosyncrasies and moments of exhilaration and exhaustion, but I can also bet that you will take it on with complete professionalism and composure as always. Just know that about yourself and your students will see it too.
I hope we can stay in contact during our first year teaching. I've had a really great time learning from and with you Lauren. You're a superb friend and knowledgeable source. I got your back, girl!